Under investigation: The potential role of collagen-infused protein bars in weight reduction strategies.
Let's talk about a riveting study that took a close look at collagen as a weight-loss booster.
- Researchers from Spain assessed the efficacy of collagen as a weight loss aid, with some intriguing findings.
The study was conducted over a 12-week period, dividing the participants into two groups. One group received collagen-infused protein bars, while the other did not.
- To put it clearly, the group consuming collagen drops twice as much weight compared to the control group.
The global obesity rate continues to be a significant concern, and researchers are relentlessly seeking innovative approaches to help people lose weight. Popular weight loss methods such as GLP-1 drugs can be expensive for many, so collagen, an affordable supplement, seemed like an appealing option.
- The study results serve as a ray of hope, as the collagen group displayed improvement across multiple health metrics.
The researchers' findings can be found in the renowned journal, Nutrients.
A Deeper Look: Consuming 20 grams of Collagen Daily
Collagen, a protein found in connective tissue, is primarily sourced from cattle and pigs and is widely available in pill and powder form.
- Collagen is celebrated for various benefits, including improving joint health, building muscle, and boosting skin elasticity.
With increasing attention towards its potential as a weight loss aid, this study explored the effects of adding collagen supplements to one's diet. Sixty-four adults with varying BMI levels, ranging from overweight to class 1 obesity, participated in the study.
- The test group consumed 90-calorie protein bars infused with 10 grams of bovine-based collagen twice a day alongside a healthy Mediterranean diet.
While the control group only followed dietary recommendations, the test group consumed around 2000 calories daily due to the protein bars. Participants underwent regular screening appointments, providing weight, blood pressure, blood samples, and urine and fecal samples.They also completed questionnaires about their food intake and appetite.
Collagen: The Next Weight Loss Trend?
The study results are a beacon of hope for individuals looking to shed pounds.
- The collagen-enhanced group experienced greater weight loss, as well as improvements in cardiometabolic health.
Participants in the collagen group lost an average of 6.6 pounds compared to the control group where the average weight lost was 3.3 pounds.
- The test group saw decreases in systolic blood pressure, a reduction in waist circumference, BMI, and fatty liver index.
While muscle loss is a concern during weight loss, the participants in the test group did not experience any noticeable muscle loss. To the contrary, they had a higher fat-free mass at the end of the study.
- Additionally, the test group reported reduced hunger and increased feelings of being full.
These feelings of satiety were consistent throughout the study period, asreported by the test group during their visits at months 1, 2, and 3.
Collagen: A Reliable Weight Loss Solution?
While the study is promising, some questions remain undiscovered, such as whether the collagen itself is responsible for the weight loss.
- The study's authors have affiliations with the company producing the protein bars, leading to some skepticism about the results.
Mir Ali, a board-certified general surgeon, bariatric surgeon, and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center, spoke with Medical News Today about the study.
- Ali believes that collagen may not solely be responsible for the observed weight loss, as protein meal replacements are beneficial to weight loss as well.
When discussing potential health concerns associated with collagen supplements, Ali noted that minor issues like bloating may arise, but overall, collagen appears to be a safe solution.
- Hector Perez, MD, lead bariatric surgeon at Renew Bariatrics, echoed similar sentiments.
Perez found the study to be well-structured and promising, but advised caution, emphasizing that collagen is not a "magic bullet."
- Perez suggested that collagen should be used as a complement to a structured weight loss program, rather than a standalone solution.
- - All information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- The study revealed that individuals consuming collagen-infused protein bars experienced twice as much weight loss compared to the control group.
- As a potential approach to weight loss, collagen supplements show improvement across multiple health metrics, offering hope in the ongoing battle against obesity.
- Researchers analyzed the efficacy of collagen as a weight loss aid, with their findings published in the esteemed journal Nutrients.
- In this study, collagen was found to be beneficial not just for weight loss, but also for improving joint health, building muscle, and boosting skin elasticity.
- Collagen, a protein sourced from connective tissue, was added to protein bars and participants in the test group lost an average of 6.6 pounds over a 12-week period.
- The researchers concluded that collagen may play a role in weight management, but more research is needed to determine its true potential as a weight loss solution.
